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The Fear
Periods
Jackie Drakeford |
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Puppies go through
several fear periods during development and their behaviour may become
challenging or they may appear to regress in training. Many dogs
end up in rescue because of this, when a little knowledge and patience
would have been better employed. Fear is an important part of
development, as it stops the puppy getting into situations that it is
not yet equipped to handle.
Up to six weeks old, puppies are confident and eager to learn, which is why getting a puppy from a breeder who exposes the whelps to a wealth of outside experiences is better than taking on one that has only had its physical needs met. Unfortunately, puppies usually change homes at the start of a major fear period, at between eight and twelve weeks old. The incompatable demands of socialisation and vaccination leave us treading a difficult path, so early work at the breeder's home becomes even more important. Between four and eight months we get a fear and defiance period, where a puppy that may have been progressing very well hits a wall in its training, and the wise dog owner is content to mark time and not force the issue untill the puppy is mentally ready to take direction once more. A puppy neutered at that age may never develop an adult attitude.
The final significant fear period is between six and fourteen months, exactly the time where an impatient owner risks ruining a promising dog by asking too much of it. Good handlers know when to wait and when to press on.
Up to six weeks old, puppies are confident and eager to learn, which is why getting a puppy from a breeder who exposes the whelps to a wealth of outside experiences is better than taking on one that has only had its physical needs met. Unfortunately, puppies usually change homes at the start of a major fear period, at between eight and twelve weeks old. The incompatable demands of socialisation and vaccination leave us treading a difficult path, so early work at the breeder's home becomes even more important. Between four and eight months we get a fear and defiance period, where a puppy that may have been progressing very well hits a wall in its training, and the wise dog owner is content to mark time and not force the issue untill the puppy is mentally ready to take direction once more. A puppy neutered at that age may never develop an adult attitude.
The final significant fear period is between six and fourteen months, exactly the time where an impatient owner risks ruining a promising dog by asking too much of it. Good handlers know when to wait and when to press on.
reprinted with
kind permission from Alastair Balmain
Deputy Editor:Shooting Times & Country Magazine
Blue Fin Building, 110 Southwark Street SE1 0SU
Tel: 020 3148 4750
Deputy Editor:Shooting Times & Country Magazine
Blue Fin Building, 110 Southwark Street SE1 0SU
Tel: 020 3148 4750